20 December, 2002

Press Release

Illegal trading makes way for City needy children

The City of Johannesburg plans to convert a house to a children's home and a feeding scheme. The Sheriff of the Johannesburg High Court today ceiled off the Hillbrow house today. The house was shut for operating illegal businesses.

The house, situated in O'Reily Street opposite the Sands Hotel that was recently closed for violating several municipal by-laws, was never used for residential purposes, as it should have been. Instead several business including shebeens, restaurants, hair salons, grocery and computer repairs shops were conducted on the premises.

The City also plans to build a park next to the house to be used by children. Last week the city obtained a court order against the occupiers of the house and those who occupied the open space next to it to vacate both properties. The open space was notorious for several crimes as caravans and kiosks conducting illegal business there, were also used for drug trafficking.

The operation was conducted in partnership with the Inner City Task Force, S.A. Police Services and By-Law Enforcement unit of the City of Johannesburg.

The Sheriff seized several caravans, tents, stalls and goods. Owners of these can claim their goods from the Sheriff and they are liable for a fine in accordance with stipulations of the municipal by-laws.

ENDS.

For more information contact:

Mbangwa Xaba
Media Liaison
Tel: 407 7226
Fax: 403 3494
082 467 9230